Employment Type : Full-Time
The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician I is responsible for providing pharmacy services which include, but are not limited to, preparing and distributing medications, operating and monitoring pharmacy automated technology systems, maintaining inventory, performing daily quality assurance audits, providing customer service, and maintaining pharmacy records. The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician I works under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist as part of an interdisciplinary patient care team, to ensure delivery of high quality, patient focused pharmacy service. The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician I assists in training staff under the supervision and guidance of the Pharmacy Managers and Pharmacy Technician Supervisor. The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician I may perform other medication-related activities except those which must legally be performed by a registered pharmacist under federal and state rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: Sustains the operational and distributive functions of the department. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: o Receives product (e.g. from wholesalers, direct shipments, etc.), unpacks, scans, and stocks product in accordance with established procedures and standards for product storage. o Prepares product for use, including repackaging oral liquids, inhalants, and tablets, non-sterile compounding, preparing kits and code carts, labeling, barcoding, heat-sealing, and other procedures as required for safe medication use. Ensures work is checked by a pharmacist. o Utilizes carousel technology to pick medications for automated dispensing cabinet refills and patient-specific orders with accuracy and in a timely manner. Maintains own professional and specialized competency, including the following: o Maintains all designated medical information as confidential as per established protocols. Participates in performance and/or quality improvement initiatives by actively sharing ideas and cooperating with the execution of initiatives to improve operations and quality Participates in the creation and maintenance of a healthy work environment. A healthy work environment is one where people feel supported, held accountable, where standards are applied and expectations are clear. A healthy work environment is one where leadership supports and leads, models behavioral standards and sets the example for how to do all things right. Is fiscally responsible to the department OTHER DUTIES: (The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required). JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION: CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: EXPERIENCE: KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Job Type: Full-time License/Certification: Work Location: One location
Under the supervision of a pharmacist, supports the department in the ethical practice of pharmacy on a daily basis by providing accurate, timely, and safe pharmacy services.
o Checks all product to ensure it is in date and appropriate for use
o Maintains inventory levels by performing cycle counts, rotating stock, and removing outdated or recalled product
o Monitors and replenishes stock of medications and supplies, responds to stock-outs, and communicates ordering needs with pharmacists and/or purchasing team.
o Monitors and maintains product under proper storage conditions as required by policies, standards, and regulations.
o Maintains proficiency with pharmacy automation technology, including but not limited to, automated dispensing systems (e.g. Pyxis, carousels, prepackers), robotics, barcoding systems, computer applications, and other pharmacy and general technology solutions necessary to perform pharmacy functions.
o Responds to nursing messages for medication replenishment in accordance with department standards for service-oriented communication and turn-around time.
o Handles controlled substances (refills, outdates, and returns) in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations and department policies to ensure proper accountability and prevent diversion. Immediately notifies pharmacist and supervisor upon discovery of discrepancy in counts or evidence of tampering with controlled substances.
o Generates and acts on all required reports on a timely basis. Adjusts par levels based on utilization reports or as directed.
o Loads, refills, outdates, destocks and unloads automated dispensing cabinets, checking for expiration dates, proper inventory count, and proper equipment function each time. Recovers or replaces failed pockets as needed.
o Delivers medications to appropriate areas in a timely manner so that patients receive the correct medication at the correct time. Retrieves discontinued medications from patient care areas. Makes appropriate charges and/or credits to patient’s account as required. Maintains drug security and patient confidentiality at all times.
o Ensures medications in the pharmacy and on patient care units are stored in clean, orderly, safe, and properly labeled areas in compliance with accreditation standards and hospital policy and procedures.
o Maintains work environment in a clean and orderly fashion.
o Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
o Utilizes hospital’s behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the department and the hospital’s mission and goals.
o Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
Critical responsibilities related to this:
Performs other duties as needed
Work requires a high school diploma or state accepted equivalency (GED).
College degree or pharmacy technician training school diploma preferred.
Must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Intern with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy, and current pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) is required. Pharmacy Interns are not required to hold CPhT certification.
Work requires 1-2 years pharmacy technician experience.
Pharmacy students who have completed 2 years of education in an approved college/school of pharmacy are eligible for pharmacy internship and may be waived for the required experience.